Dakota J. Fossum

Cody Fossum joined the saints of heaven on Thursday, September 10, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at MeritCare Children's Hospital in Fargo, ND. He will rest eternally in the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dakota James Fossum was born in Fargo, ND, on July 8, 1992, to Paul and Sherri Fossum. Cody grew up on the Fossum Family Farm near Kragnes, MN, attending school in Moorhead; he was a member of the senior class. Cody was baptized and confirmed at North Buffalo Lutheran Church, where he was as an usher and an active member of the youth group. He served as the team manager for Moorhead High School's girls' basketball and softball teams.

Cody loved life! He enjoyed interacting with others; texting was his favorite hobby. He enjoyed music, swimming, riding ATVs, Guitar Hero and times spent with family and friends at Cotton and Strawberry Lakes. He was an avid Vikings and Twins fan. Cody was thrilled to have attended a Metallica concert in Dublin, Ireland with his parents in early August through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Cody was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 NF1 early in life and brain cancer as a teenager. Cody was tireless in his battle to fight the disease and to enjoy life at the same time. His joyful exuberance, beautiful smile, positive outlook, sense of humor, love of life and strong faith will always be remembered.

The Fossums thank the staff members of Roger Maris Cancer Center, MeritCare Children's Hospital and Moorhead Public Schools for their compassionate care and guidance throughout Cody's life. They would also like to express their gratitude to their family and friends for their support and love; Cody's exuberance for life is a reflection of the love shown to him by others.

Cody is survived by his parents, Paul and Sherri Fossum, his brother, Scott and his sister, Nikki, his grandparents, Lloyd and Pat Fossum and Dennis and Nancy Bromley, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. He will be dearly missed by all.